Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has etched her name into the record books by becoming the first player to win the Ballon d'Or Féminin three times.
The 27-year-old claimed the prestigious award at the Paris ceremony, with her Spain and Arsenal teammate Mariona Caldentey finishing as runner-up.
Bonmati, who also won the honour in 2023 and 2024, has now extended Barcelona's dominance of the award, following back-to-back wins by fellow midfielder Alexia Putellas in 2021 and 2022.
In an emotional address on stage, Bonmati received the trophy from Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta. “My third time in a row here, and I still can't believe it. Incredible. Thank you to France Football for this, for the third time — it really could have gone to anyone,” she said.
“If it was possible to share it I would, because I think it has been a year with an exceptionally high level, above all among my team-mates, who had a great year,” she added.
She paid tribute to Iniesta and Xavi, describing them as her childhood idols and the players from whom she learned her style of football. “I owe Barcelona everything — this is the club of my life. I hope to represent this badge for many more years.”
The Ballon d'Or Féminin is awarded annually to the best female footballer of the year, as selected by a jury of international journalists.
The 2025 edition saw a strong showing from England, with five players in the top 10. Arsenal trio Alessia Russo (3rd), Chloe Kelly (5th), and Leah Williamson (7th) joined Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze (9th) and Hannah Hampton (10th) among the elite.
Outside the top 10, Arsenal's Emily Fox and Steph Catley placed 25th and 29th respectively, while Frida Maanum came in at 27th. Chelsea's Sandy Baltimore and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd secured 15th and 23rd, and former Blues star Pernille Harder finished 20th. Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir was 30th.
It was also a triumphant night for the Lionesses in other categories. England manager Sarina Wiegman was named Women’s Coach of the Year, and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton earned the Best Women’s Goalkeeper award.
Source: BBC
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